college admissions, college applications

Research Programs for High School Students: Hands-On Opportunities for Summer and Beyond

By College Raptor StaffPublished on November 3, 2025

Key Takeaways A research program for high school students lets you explore your interests and gain hands-on experience. Programs can include summer internships, mentorships, science fairs, and pre-college research opportunities. You can find options in many subjects, like STEM and social studies. Research programs can help you build important skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. …

college applications

A guide to using the Common Black College App

By Hilary CairnsPublished on October 7, 2025

Key Takeaways: The Common Black College App allows students to apply to several Historically Black Colleges and Universities at the same time. It costs $20 to apply to all participating institutions. Similar to the Common App, the CBCA saves students time and money. The Common Black College App (CBCA) is much like the Common App …

college admissions, college applications

Lowest Admission Rate College + Application Tips For Success  

By College Raptor StaffPublished on August 4, 2025

Key Takeaways: A college’s admission (or acceptance) rate refers to the percentage of admitted students in relation to the number of students that applied for that year’s application cycle. The lowest admission rate currently in the US is CalTech followed closely by Harvard University–both with acceptances rates just above 3%. To get ahead of the …

college applications

When Do College Applications Open?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on June 16, 2025

Key Takeaways: Most college applications for the following academic year open on August 1. Students who wish to apply early should have their applications submitted by November. January 1 is the common regular decision application deadline, but some schools accept later submissions, including those which use rolling admission cycles. College applications usually open on August …

college applications, questions & answers

Accommodations for Students and How to Get Them

By Hilary CairnsPublished on February 5, 2025

All colleges and universities in the United States offer accommodations to students with disabilities. They can vary from advanced course selection to additional time on exams, depending on the individual’s needs. Some conditions that qualify for accommodations include learning disabilities, blindness, hard of hearing, and chronic medical conditions. You can learn more about accommodations at …

college applications

Schools With Early Action

By Hilary CairnsPublished on December 19, 2024

Early Action is a great way to apply to colleges you’re sincerely interested in and to get applications out of the way. Applications are usually due on November 1 and 15, but this isn’t a hard and fast rule. In this article, we’ve created a master list of schools with Early Action application cycles so …

college applications

Turn Generosity into Opportunity: National Giving Day for Students

By College Raptor StaffPublished on December 2, 2024

National Giving Day (also known as Giving Tuesday) encourages everyone to give back to their communities with charitable donations, volunteer work, or simply raising awareness for causes that matter. But for college-bound students, National Giving Day is also a chance to make your college application shine. Here’s how you can make the most of your …

college admissions, college applications

5 FREE College Resume Templates

By College Raptor StaffPublished on November 4, 2024

Key Takeaways A college resume can be defined as a brief, one-page summary of a student’s high school accomplishments that highlights relevant education, extracurriculars, work experience, and skills. Important sections in a college resume include contact information, a summary statement, education, extracurricular activities, work experience, and relevant skills. Essential tips for creating a college resume …

college admissions, college applications

A Simplified Guide to QuestBridge and Which Colleges Use it

By Hilary CairnsPublished on September 24, 2024

QuestBridge is a nonprofit organization in the United States that matches high-achieving students from low-income households with leading colleges and universities. Its primary program, the National College Match, helps students gain admission and full scholarships to top-tier schools. If you’re from a low-income household, here’s how you can take advantage of Questbridge. What is the …

college applications, questions & answers

How Much Do Grades Matter in High School?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 28, 2025

Key Takeaways Despite the ongoing debate about whether or not grades should be given, they are still important in high school. While grades don’t represent the whole picture of who you are, they do play a role in what classes you’re placed in, what colleges accept you, and how much financial aid you may receive. …